35,000 runners will be ready on the start line when the half marathon world champions are crowned in Copenhagen on September 20, 2026.

The best runners on the planet will lead the way, followed closely by runners of all levels, who will experience an extraordinary race on a packed and festive route through the Danish capital.
For the first time in Denmark, tickets will be allocated via a lottery system, similar to those used for international marathons in London and Berlin.

The reason behind this, according to Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of Sparta Athletics & Running:

“Most recently, during the sale of Copenhagen Half Marathon 2025, we saw an overwhelming demand that put a strain on our systems, selling out in just 2.5 hours while many runners were still waiting in the queue. That process was frustrating for both us and the participants, which is why we are introducing the lottery,” she explains and continues:

“The lottery ensures a fair and equal chance for everyone. Interested runners now have plenty of time to sign up whenever it suits them, as the chances of being selected are the same regardless of when you enter during the lottery period, March 6-20.”

Three key points from the lottery FAQ:

• How many people can I sign up with?
  • You can register together with up to two running friends.
• Can I enter the lottery multiple times?
  • No. As part of the selection process, all entries will be scanned after the lottery period. If we detect duplicates, all entries containing the same person will be deleted.
• Will there be a resale option?
  • Yes, in 2025, a platform will be launched for transferring start numbers.

See the complete FAQ here.

Facts About the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26

• The World Championships take place on 19-20 September 2026, in the streets of Copenhagen.
• World champions will be crowned in three distances: half marathon, 5km and one mile.
• The world elite will compete – and all distances are also open to the public.
• The 5km and one mile World Championships will take place on Saturday 19 September 2026.